christmas should be a day of joy and celebration and recent tragic events gave this year's holiday a deficit feeling. >> reporter: in newtown, connecticut, it was a day of lingering heartache. empty stockings hung as reminders of loss filled with gifts. first responders from surrounding communities gave their time so surrounding police could spend the time with their families. >> this is why we're here. something needs to be done. glad we can be here. >> a pleasure to help them out. >> police officers giving police officers time off, you couldn't ask for a better christmas gift. >> reporter: in the new york airy, where hundreds are still without homes because of hurricane sandy, volunteers tried to deliver some holiday spirit. >> every table is labelled. >> reporter: handing out food, toys and blankets at relief centers. >> it's important people come out and help people. you can't put a price on that or buy that either. >> reporter: in places spared direct tragedy americans marked the day in their own ways while keeping those less fortunate in their thoughts. >> when people are suffering and